ADDC: Team Aprilia Giofil day 3 report

CHALECO 'S DREAM FLIES AWAY
LOPEZ FELL FROM A DUNE AND THE BIKE WAS TURNED OFF, HE WASN 'T ABLE TO
RESTART IT. HE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE BIVOUAC BY HELICOPTER. NOW THE TEAM
WAITS FOR THE APRILIA RXV TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM, AN ELECTRICAL...

CHALECO 'S DREAM FLIES AWAY

LOPEZ FELL FROM A DUNE AND THE BIKE WAS TURNED OFF, HE WASN 'T ABLE TO
RESTART IT. HE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE BIVOUAC BY HELICOPTER. NOW THE TEAM
WAITS FOR THE APRILIA RXV TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM, AN ELECTRICAL ONE,
FROM WHAT THEY EXPECT.

ABU DHABI -- The third stage of Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge breaks the
dreams of victory for Francisco Lopez. The Chilean rider started strong
for the 377 kilometers in the dunes of Rub Al Khali 's desert.

He had taken back the two riders that started before him, Gaugain and
West, and the trio had added Coma and Casteu. Until after CP3, the five
riders ride practically together, but around km 280, Lopez landed heavily
after missing a dune.

This violent shock took Lopez off from the bike, and he wasn 't able to
establish the ignition to restart. The impact also threw away the GPS
equipment.

Lopez was taken to the bivouac on a helicopter, while the Team Giofil
Aprilia Racing is waiting the return of the bike with the means of the
organization to verify the problem, that is almost certainly is just
electrical.

Lopez should take the start tomorrow after taking the fixed penalty. Even
if the opportunity to fight for the victory is gone away, he will still
be accumulating points for the World Championship in his class.